Antibiotics and your Mouth

Why do I require antibiotics before my dental visit?

During any invasive dental treatment, bacteria can be introduced into the blood stream. This poses a serious threat to those individuals with heart abnormalities. This bacteria may cause inflammation of the heart (endocarditis) or surrounding tissues. Taking antibiotic medication before dental treatment significantly reduces your risk of developing this inflammation.

What types of heart abnormalities need to be considered?

There are many conditions that are associated with this endocarditis. Your physician or cardiologist determines whether or not you require antibiotic premedication. Some conditions that require this medication include:

Heart surgery within past six months

Pacemaker

Vascular surgery (replaced artery) within past six months

Artificial heart valve

History of rheumatic fever

History of heart murmur (mitral valve prolapse)

Previous bacterial endocarditis

Systemic pulmonary shunt

Congenital heart defect

Acquired valvular dysfunction

If any of these conditions apply to you, please consult your dentist before any dental treatment.

Who determines antibiotic premedication?

Your dental office follows the recommendation of the American Heart Association. This organization determines who requires these antibiotics, what the dosage is, and when this medication should be taken.

What about a joint replacement?

For the first two years after joint replacement, all patients should be pre-medicated. After this time period your orthopedic surgeon makes the determination. Your dentist follows this determination. The bacteria in the mouth can be introduced into the blood stream. These bacteria then can attach itself to the artificial joint.

Our senior dentist, Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, DDS, has been serving the dental needs of Howell Michigan residents in the Howell area for over 30 years. He is a highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist as well an expert in the treatment of TMJ disorders. The Doctor and his staff are dedicated to providing you with the best dental care available. We pride ourselves on using the most advanced dental procedures and techniques, state-of-the-art dentistry, and an unmatched commitment to serving our patients!

Our dentists are devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. We use conservative procedures that will ensure long lasting results. When you’re considering tooth whitening procedures, cosmetic dentistry, or TMJ treatments, you’ll be in good hands at our office here in Howell, Michigan.

If you suffer from TMJ related headaches, denture problems, toothaches, challenges from dental implants, pain, or any other condition that could arise from dental issues, we’ll carefully and thoroughly diagnose the problem and recommend scientifically supported courses of treatment.

Looking for a family dentist? Our personalized approach to dental care enables us to provide the excellent quality of care you want. We provide individualized treatment planning that utilizes restorative dentistry so that you can achieve your optimal dental health.